Chapter 77

Christina's POV She sat in the booth like liquid poured into human form, legs crossed elegantly, her face so perfect I wanted to throw my entire skincare routine in the trash. I knew that face. Everyone did. This was Octavia Grey. Award-winning actress, face of luxury perfumes, the woman who could make an entire theater weep with a single close-up tear. I'd watched her latest movie three times and still hadn't forgiven her for dying so beautifully in the rain. In person, she looked even more flawless. Like someone had upgraded reality without warning the rest of us mortals. "Is this a joke?" Akira whispered in my mind. "If it is, I'm not laughing," I replied silently. I followed Hudson into the private dining room, my legs operating on autopilot, and slid into the seat across from her. She smiled. I smiled back. Polite. Awkward. Completely surreal. I had absolutely no idea what was happening. Last time I was at Laurent Global Holdings,Dominic had casually mentioned Octavia was pursuing